Keeping your home clean shouldn't come at the expense of the planet. At least, that's what the creators of reusable paper towels believe. These manufacturers think that people should be able to do everything from wash their cars to dry their hands without creating more trash for our overtaxed landfills.
Switching your family to reusable paper towels can not only help cut your household waste, therefore helping the environment, but it can also help alleviate a bit of your budgeting woes. These reusable paperless towels can replace dozens of rolls of their disposable counterpart, which translates into fewer trips to the store and more money for other things on your shopping list — and with grocery bills still up across the country, we don't think we're alone when we say every little bit helps!
Not only that, but reusable paper towels can do just about anything paper towels can (yes, even clean up some of your grosser messes). Whether you're ready to make the switch and replace all of your disposable items, or just hoping to test some out to see how you feel about them, we have a hunch that you're going to find a suitable option on this list of the 7 best reusable paper towels of 2023.
Want a roll of paperless paper towels that still feels like, well, a roll? Chloven paperless towels come with a durable cardboard center piece that helps users re-roll them after they've been cleaned.
Each set comes with 25, 2-ply opens made from super absorbent 100% flannel cotton. You'll get to choose between several different patterns, each with a cute design that is sure to brighten up your space while keeping your carbon footprint in check.
Looking for a paperless towel that can do some seriously heavy lifting? Look no further than these 100% cotton options from Earthly Co. Each roll purchased contains 10 packs and can replace more than 80 rolls of disposable paper towels.
Not only does that keep more waste out of landfills but it keeps more money in your pocket. At just $1.60 per sheet, these towels are both a bargain and a must-have.
These "tear away" paperless paper towels from Poyday will be your go-to paperless towels thanks to their large size. Each towel is 12 inches by 12 inches. The absorbent materials (these are made with microfiber) can be used for everything from cleaning up spills to drying dishes.
The zero waste design can be rerolled after being run through the washer and dryer, making them easy to store and reach for again and again!
One roll replaces up to 30 traditional paper towel rolls
Quick drying
Work well with cleaning sprays
Cons
They don't feel like traditional paper towels
These bamboo towels are easy on the eyes with a pretty tree bud print, and on your skin as well as the Earth, since they're chlorine-free. According to the company, each sheet can absorb seven times its weight and is equal to one tradition paper towel roll. (So, one roll = 30 rolls of traditional paper towels!) Reviewers note that they are super fast drying, stand up after washing, and are durable enough for deep cleaning.
"I got a roll recently and I LOVE IT. I've used them to help me deep clean, and they always rinse out clean! These things can take a beating, trust me. If you're on the fence, don't be! They're amazing!" reads one 5-star review.
This MioEco washable and reusable paper towel alternative is made with organic cotton. With almost 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the company claims that one reusable cotton towel is equal to 130 traditional paper towel rolls. Because they are bleach- and dye-free, some reviewers favor using these to dry fruit before eating, or as napkins during meals. Others say they appreciate the waffled texture which allows for easy scrubbing and clean-up.
As one five-star review notes: "They are a nice size that is in between a larger towel and the smaller 'shop rag' size. They are sturdy, soft, neutral in color, and absorb well."
Towels get softer and more absorbent with every wash
Can hang, roll, or fold
Fun patterns and colors
Cons
Not as absorbent as traditional paper towels
Some reviewers note difficulties keeping on the roll
Expensive (though they are handmade)
For anyone who wants to ditch paper towels but can't seem to let go of the idea of the "roll," these 100% cotton flannel "UNpaper" towels are for you. Handmade in Oregon, the reusable towels cling to each other, making them easier to roll up and store on a traditional paper towel holder. The edges are serged for durability and to prevent fraying. It's also important to note that absorbency increases after the first few washes. Some reviewers mention that you shouldn't use fabric softener when washing.
One reviewer writes: "This is a GREAT product! I love the fact that I am not constantly throwing away paper towels after a wipe here or there. They wash up really well, and dry well, lay them flat and bam! All done and feel better."
Reviewers note that these are rayon made from bamboo
These versatile bamboo towels have over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. They come perforated like a traditional paper towel roll, but once you've ripped one off, you can use it again and again. Users rave about the effectiveness in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and more, noting that they are "super absorbent."
One positive review reads: "Durability is great and when they get stinky I wash them in the dishwasher and I get more time out of them! Environmentally friendly is a huge plus and I will be saving a lot of money too!"
Terri Huggins Hart is an award-winning journalist, lifestyle writer, parenting writer, and race and culture writer who is convinced she's figured out the trick to living life with no regrets: do what you love, give love, lead with love. She's also the writer of an active monthly newsletter sharing tips for motivation and emotional well-being. When not writing, she can be found working out via Zumba or pole dancing, reciting her favorite affirmations and covering her adorable kids in kisses. You can learn more about Terri on her website, TerrificWords.com, or following her on social media @terrificwords.
Lauren Wellbank is a freelance writer based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Martha Stewart Living, and more. She has three small children, a husband, and an over eager dog at home. When she's not writing she likes to work in her garden with her family.